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American Last Names as First Names

  1. Thornton

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "place in the thorns"

    • Description:

      Despite Thornton Wilder, playwright of the perennial Our Town, only a handful of baby boys receive this name each year..
  2. Morrison

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "son of Morris"

    • Description:

      Morrison is one of the more uncommon patronymics; it could be used to honor an ancestral Morris, or one of the well-known surnamed Morrisons: Toni, Jim or Van.
  3. Hunter

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "one who hunts"

    • Description:

      This surname gained momentum in the 1990s, when it was particularly in vogue for males. However, it seems to be experiencing a surge for females—it was one of the fastest-rising names of 2013, jumping 266 spots back into the Top 1000.
  4. Burton

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "fortified enclosure"

    • Description:

      Burton originated as a habitation surname that now feels like a appropriate first. Actor Richard Burton, two-time husband of Elizabeth Taylor, was the most famous bearer. Burtie makes an adorable short form.
  5. Garner

    • Origin:

      English surname

    • Meaning:

      "granary"

    • Description:

      Garner is an unncommon word and surname with some prospect of garnering popularity, especially now that Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck have given it to son Samuel as his middle name, and Jessica Alba and Cash Warren have used it as the middle name of second daughter Haven. Garner is also Cash Warren's middle name. Gardner or Gardener is another, similar though unrelated possibility.
  6. Thompson

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "son of Tom"

    • Description:

      Thompson is not as popular as Jackson or Harrison, but a novel way to circumvent Junior for the son of a Thomas.
  7. Porter

    • Origin:

      English from French occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "doorkeeper or carrier"

    • Description:

      Porter is one clubby surname or occupational that was given to around 80 baby girls in the US last year -- and nearly 600 baby boys.
  8. Gardner

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "keeper of the garden"

    • Description:

      Surely one of the most pleasant and evocative of the occupational options.
  9. Wright

    • Description:

      Wright is a masculine name that originated as an English occupational surname referring to a craftsman or builder—specifically a woodworker or carpenter (from the Old English "wyrhta," meaning "worker"). As a first name, Wright carries strong traditional and artisanal connotations, suggesting skill, craftsmanship, and creation. It remains relatively uncommon as a given name, maintaining an air of distinction and uniqueness. The name has a strong, concise sound with its single syllable and consonant blend. Those named Wright might appreciate the name's connections to craftsmanship and its subtle suggestion that one can build or create their own path in life. Its surname-as-first-name style also reflects contemporary naming trends.

  10. Norris

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "northerner"

    • Description:

      Somehow more modern and likable than Morris or Doris.
  11. Webb

    • Origin:

      English occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "weaver"

    • Description:

      This pleasant single-syllable surname might be especially appealing to someone involved with the internet (and who isn't?)--even if some others might see it as a drawback.
  12. Evans

    • Origin:

      Welsh surname

    • Meaning:

      "the Lord is gracious"

    • Description:

      Evans is an historic Welsh patronymic surname, derived from Evan, which is a form of John. With Evan's popularity in the U.S. and the U.K. -- it's a Top 50 names -- the stylish s-ending version may also be on the rise.
  13. Sims

    • Origin:

      English surname derived from Simon

    • Meaning:

      "the listener"

    • Description:

      Sims is a medieval English surname, also found in Ireland and Scotland, that has many variations all deriving from the Hebrew Biblical name Simon. Sims is a simple, straightforward, yet proper-sounding name that works well as a first, whether you find it in your family tree or pluck the idea from someone else's. It was used for only five boys in the US in 2013.
  14. Price

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "son of Rhys"

    • Description:

      Some names referring to expensive things -- Tiffany, Armani, Porsche -- are in fact declasse, but Price transcends that label with its simplicity and strength.
  15. Olson

    • Description:

      Olson is primarily a surname of Scandinavian origin, derived from 'Olsen' which literally means 'son of Ole' or 'son of Olaf.' Ole and Olaf are ancient Norse names meaning 'ancestor's descendant' or 'ancestral relic.' As a given name, Olson represents the modern trend of using surnames as first names, appealing to parents seeking strong, distinctive options with historical resonance. While uncommon as a first name, it carries a sense of strength and Nordic heritage. The name projects reliability and tradition while maintaining a contemporary edge. Its simple pronunciation and spelling make it practical despite its relative rarity in first-name usage.
  16. Wheeler

    • Origin:

      English occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "wheel maker"

    • Description:

      Wheeler is one of the most energetic of the newly stylish occupational names, all those 'e's giving it a friendly, freewheeling sound.
  17. Williams

    • Description:

      Williams is a patronymic surname that has evolved into use as a given name. Derived from the Germanic name Wilhelm (composed of elements meaning 'will, desire' and 'helmet, protection'), it literally means 'son of William.' As a first name, Williams maintains the distinguished, traditional quality of its surname origins. It's particularly popular in English-speaking countries, often chosen by families honoring ancestral surnames or seeking a formal, sophisticated option for their sons. While primarily used for boys, Williams carries a professional, timeless appeal that resists passing trends. The name offers familiar nickname options like Will or Bill, though many prefer using the full name to preserve its dignified character.

  18. Hall

    • Origin:

      English occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "worker at the hall"

    • Description:

      A simple, self-possessed, somewhat serious surname, which might work better as a middle.
  19. Roberts

    • Description:

      Roberts functions primarily as a surname derived from the personal name Robert, meaning 'bright fame' from Germanic elements 'hrod' (fame) and 'beraht' (bright). As a masculine first name, Roberts represents an uncommon variation that maintains the surname's full form rather than reverting to Robert. This practice of using surnames as first names reflects an Anglo-American naming tradition that conveys formality and familial connection. The name carries a distinguished quality, often associated with professional settings and traditional values. While considerably less common than Robert, the name Roberts has maintained a subtle presence in naming records, particularly in families where it might honor maternal lineage. The addition of the final 's' gives the traditional name a distinctive quality while preserving its recognizable roots and strong masculine associations.
  20. Gates

    • Origin:

      English surname

    • Meaning:

      "person living near town gates"

    • Description:

      Reality TV star Raven Gates gave her on-trend s-ending surname to her son, named Gates Zev. Gates joins an impressive lineup of celebrity babies with similar names, including Hillary Duff's Banks and Emma Roberts' Rhodes. Gates is also famously the surname of Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft.